How much does a Chief executives and senior officials earn in the UK?

A Chief executives and senior officials earns a median salary of £89,835 per year in the UK (2025 ONS ASHE data). The middle 50% earn between £48,429 and £141,253 per year.

What is the average salary for a Chief executives and senior officials?

The median annual salary for a Chief executives and senior officials in the UK is £89,835 according to the Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ONS ASHE 2025).

SOC 1111 Corporate managers and directors

Chief executives and senior officials Salary

Median salary £89,835 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

About this role

Chief executives and senior officials hold the highest positions of strategic leadership within organisations. They set organisational direction, represent the organisation to stakeholders, and bear ultimate responsibility for performance, compliance and culture.

Key responsibilities

Setting and communicating organisational strategy and vision
Overseeing financial performance and resource allocation
Representing the organisation to external stakeholders, investors and regulators
Building and leading the senior management team
Ensuring regulatory compliance and corporate governance

Qualifications and entry routes

Typically requires extensive senior management experience, often 15+ years. Many hold MBAs or equivalent postgraduate qualifications. Professional memberships (e.g., CMI, IoD) are common.

Career outlook

Competition for these roles is intense. Demand is steady across all sectors, with increasing emphasis on ESG expertise and digital transformation experience.